Novak Djokovic survived one of the most dramatic nights of the Australian Open to reach the semi-finals after Lorenzo Musetti was forced to retire injured while leading 6–4, 6–3 in their quarter-finals clash at Melbourne Park. The Serb, chasing a record 11th Australian Open title and an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam crown, was outplayed for two sets before fortune intervened.
Musetti produced one of the finest performances of his career, dominating from the baseline and exposing Djokovic’s lack of rhythm with sharp angles, depth and variation. Aware of the Italian’s defensive brilliance, Djokovic attempted to shorten points, approaching the net 19 times in the opening set alone, frequently deploying serve-and-volley tactics. The strategy backfired, as Musetti repeatedly threaded passing shots past him to build a commanding lead.
“I was on my way home tonight,” Djokovic admitted afterwards. “He was a far better player. Being two sets up and in full control, it’s so unfortunate. He should have been the winner, there’s no doubt.”
Djokovic’s night had already been disrupted by physical issues, as he required treatment for blisters on his foot late in the second set. He had also not won a single set since 24 January, having progressed through the previous round via walkover. Yet the momentum of the match shifted abruptly early in the third set, when Musetti began struggling to move freely and called for medical treatment on his right thigh.
At 1–1 in the third, Musetti could no longer sprint or change direction properly. After dropping serve again, he walked to the net and retired with Djokovic leading 3–1. The Italian became the first player in the Open Era to withdraw from a Grand Slam quarter-final or later while leading by two sets, turning what had been a near-certain breakthrough victory into a moment of heartbreak.
For Djokovic, the result carried historical significance of a different kind. It was his 103rd match win at the Australian Open, taking him clear of Roger Federer’s long-standing men’s singles record of 102 victories at the tournament. Despite that milestone, his reaction was muted, shaped more by sympathy than celebration.
“This kind of thing happens in sport,” he said. “But in these circumstances, it’s incredibly tough for him. I wish him a speedy recovery.”
Djokovic now advances to his 13th Australian Open semi-final, where he will face either defending champion Jannik Sinner or Ben Shelton for a place in the final. After relying on both resilience and a sizeable slice of luck, the Serb knows improvement is essential if he is to continue his pursuit of history in Melbourne.
